Pixel Joint Forum: WIP German officers

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Hey guys, I decided to take a break from the train and thought that I would show what I worked on awhile back.  I was given the suggestion of starting smaller and this is something I might be willing to enhance and correct.  Feel free to C+C it.  Thanks alot!

Here it is:

Jack

Edited by JackBauer24 - 01 February 2007 at 10:30am

Author	Message
JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Topic: WIP German officers Posted: 01 February 2007 at 6:00am
	Hey guys, I decided to take a break from the train and thought that I would show what I worked on awhile back. I was given the suggestion of starting smaller and this is something I might be willing to enhance and correct. Feel free to C+C it. Thanks alot! Here it is: Jack Edited by JackBauer24 - 01 February 2007 at 10:30am
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Aleiav Commander Joined: 08 April 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2380	Posted: 01 February 2007 at 8:49pm
	Shading? The feet are too small.
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 01 February 2007 at 11:15pm
	Here is an update for you...Where do you recommend shading? Thanks! I think its starting to look a little better. But keep me humble. see bottom of page Jack Edited by JackBauer24 - 03 February 2007 at 5:00am
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Shoba Seaman Joined: 20 July 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 20	Posted: 02 February 2007 at 3:05am
	Hmm... how about shading ... anywhere? You know ... you choose a light source, then drop some shadows, then add some highlights... stuff like that. Currently he looks totally flat. And his hands need some updates. Currently they look like he has ... one Giant finger on each arm. The way the arms are connected to the body seems kinda strange as well.
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 02 February 2007 at 3:16am
	Thanks for the advise. I have tried to update the hands. At present the black thing is supposed to be hands wearing gloves. Not sure how to make him look less flat,seeing as its a front view of the guy. Thanks again!
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Bifur Commander Joined: 15 April 2006 Location: Brazil Online Status: Offline Posts: 194	Posted: 02 February 2007 at 7:14am
	he looks like a doll... i'd rethink the whole piece
	I know! Leafs shouldn't make shadow...
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 02 February 2007 at 5:47pm
	Alright, what can I do to not make him look like a doll? He is supposed to be standing inspecting unseen troops. Thanks!
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pixelblink Commander Joined: 19 February 2023 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2865	Posted: 02 February 2007 at 6:29pm
	I suggest to stop trying to think in straight boring lines his head is quite small in comparison to the rest of him. Use the 7 head rule. Use some dynamic shading techniques (of which you can find tutorials and lessons all over the web). Use photo references whenever possible. give him a pose rather than just a static and rigid stance such as you have. give him character... an eye patch, a scar, a sneer, a broken arm, a puppy on a lease, whatever. be patient. While you might not see it now, a lot of the tips you get from people (whether helpful or not) will give you the motivation to find whatever it is you need to achieve the skills to become a great artist. Practice and motivation is key! keep trying. Don't be afraid to screw up and start all over again.
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 02 February 2007 at 8:33pm
	Ok last thing before I work steady on this project, Ive looked through the tutorials and have no idea which ones really apply to this. If you can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. Also an update The new one is on the right: http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-uniforms/germany.htm#private Here is the reference Edited by JackBauer24 - 03 February 2007 at 5:01am
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leel Commander Joined: 29 June 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3001	Posted: 03 February 2007 at 5:19am
	wasnt the rigit stance supposed to be feet together and arms straight at your side? right now it looks more like he's speading them for police to pat him down. and you NEED some shading. try to break up the man into simpler shapes. some examples could be found here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~twbuie/id318/handouts/id318handouts.html look where it says box shading, sphere, cone etc. and use a consistent light source and at least try adding some volume to this guy, he would really like to be a real boy! :P
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 03 February 2007 at 7:21am
	I changed it because it sounded like the guy was too stiff looking. I know what I should do but Im not use to dealing with shading. Can you give some examples of areas that need shading? To be honest with you I never was any good with paper and pencil, I got better results(for me) by drawing on the comp. Thanks again and I will try to do as suggested. Here is my first few attempts at shading and having a set light source so bare with me: Jack Edited by JackBauer24 - 03 February 2007 at 7:38am
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Ensellitis Commander Joined: 19 June 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 10099	Posted: 03 February 2007 at 8:05am
	that shading is far to subtle. i had to zoom in just to see where you did shade. i think the main problem with this is how bland it is... and the size is going to hurt you too. his arms would never hang like that. he would either be stading at attention, then his hands would be flat against his sides and fingers rolled up. or he would be standing at ease, with his arms hanging, slight bend at the elbows, and his hands to the side. i cant think of any occasion when your hands would be like that unless you were showing off your new manicure. add some wrinkles. his pants are far too flat. the bunches at the legs have many wrinkles since all they are is extra fabric and they dont fold over the knee like you have: here are a few other refs for you: my advice to you is to cut the size down 50%, and push your limits... dont be afraid to go 3d instead of this 2d. make it more dynamic. right now it looks like a paper doll, make him look real
	ಠ_ಠ There's a pubic hair on my keyboard. What the f**k?? I "mow the lawn" so it's not mine. Gross.
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 03 February 2007 at 3:01pm
	Ok, I decided to focus on the form for now then I will work on the shading or the lack thereof... Here is an update.... See bottom post Edited by JackBauer24 - 07 February 2007 at 11:07am
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leel Commander Joined: 29 June 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3001	Posted: 03 February 2007 at 5:26pm
	very quick edit, and also very messy, but hopefully you'll get some ideas. I also felt like giving him a very queer goatee :) love it!
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Pixel_Outlaw Commander Joined: 01 September 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3829	Posted: 03 February 2007 at 7:51pm
	LOL no german would sport a goatee. Nice edit though! Did they have a reason for such hideous trousers? Edited by Pixel_Outlaw - 03 February 2007 at 7:51pm

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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 04 February 2007 at 1:00pm
	They were worn in tradition harking to the time that the officer rode a horse while the regular soldier walked. Thanks again and keep up the comments. Jack Edited by JackBauer24 - 04 February 2007 at 1:00pm
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Aleiav Commander Joined: 08 April 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2380	Posted: 04 February 2007 at 2:28pm
	aww, cute german pants... sorry... had to say that. XD
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 04 February 2007 at 2:34pm
	Heh, come to think of it, they aren't the only ones who wore the breeches. Alot of armies in that era and before the war wore those. On a serious note, does anyone know where I can find tutorials concerning how to shade clothing, skin, etc? If so that would be great. Talk to you all later. Thanks again! Jack
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leel Commander Joined: 29 June 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3001	Posted: 04 February 2007 at 3:10pm
	I think for now you should focus on on just the general where-light-hits ideas, and think about textures later. Just take it one step at a time, especially if you say that you don't really have the basics down yet. I'd love to see an update. Edited by leel - 04 February 2007 at 3:10pm
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 07 February 2007 at 11:07am
	Hey guys, heres a little update. One problem I am having is being able to figure out how to make realistic folds in the fabric. If anyone can point me to something that explains that, I would love that. Also, I have tried but for some reason, the boots do not look right, help! Anyhow, heres an update. I also have included my reference for the tunic. Edited by JackBauer24 - 10 February 2007 at 12:23am
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leel Commander Joined: 29 June 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3001	Posted: 09 February 2007 at 7:18pm
	just look at the photo above of the guy in the orange suit. The material is very thick, so it doesnt have many random folds, just where your body bends/changes shape - elbows, knees, where it's tightened by the belt, etc. Maybe you're overthinking this, don't worry about every pixel just yet, just sketch out the basic tones first if you're so not sure. I don't really know what else to say. Perhaps find some more reference photos, or get someone else to do an edit if the ones so far weren't helpful, but I think I'm starting to repeat myself. Also btw, the guy needs to be shorter too. His head seems pretty small the more i look at it. Edited by leel - 09 February 2007 at 7:19pm
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 23 June 2007 at 5:33am
	Hey guys, Jack here again. Ive been trying to enhance the German officer I had been working on for awhile. I need help with general layouts of the human body in relation to the officer. Thanks!
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Metaru Commander Joined: 20 November 2025 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3305	Posted: 23 June 2007 at 12:02pm
	those hands need to be a bit more natural and less plastic. also, this officer has two left hands. those legs seems a bit longer than needed too. and the knees needs more definition. actualy, her clothings looks as it was made of a solid material. even though it's an uniform, it needs some folds here and there. specially in the joints.
	I ate leel's babies
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 23 June 2007 at 4:39pm
	There we go, thats the kind of advise I needed. I knew there were something wrong but I couldnt place it. Thanks alot mate! Though I just tried to reenact the hand clasp I have him in and I dont see where the two left hands come into play...Perhaps Im not seeing this right lol. Thanks again. Jack Edited by JackBauer24 - 23 June 2007 at 4:41pm
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Metaru Commander Joined: 20 November 2025 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3305	Posted: 23 June 2007 at 8:37pm
	you made the left hand, copied it, mirroed it, and pasted it where the rigth hand is supposed to be.
	I ate leel's babies
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 23 June 2007 at 9:05pm
	Hmmm, yeah now that you mention it I did, but it seemed the only workable way at the time. What to do to fix it...THanks. Jack
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Aleiav Commander Joined: 08 April 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2380	Posted: 24 June 2007 at 8:27am
	Sometimes mirroring can save time, but it does atrocious things to your art. Because as much as we'd like to be, we're not symmetrical. What you CAN do, is mirror it and then edit it so it looks slightly different or change the arm so it's in a pocket or something. That way you have a baseline of an arm to go with and it's not so weird looking.
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 24 June 2007 at 9:30pm
	Ok I think I get what you saying. Is there some tell-tale item on the hands that really indicate this? I want this thing to work out right. Thanks again for the advice. Jack
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Metaru Commander Joined: 20 November 2025 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3305	Posted: 25 June 2007 at 10:32am
	look at your own rigth hand, please.
	I ate leel's babies
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JackBauer24 Commander Joined: 23 March 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 25 June 2007 at 1:10pm
	Ok, so what youre saying is that the pinky screwed up and that it needs to be bigger? And whats the other red mark? Thanks again. Jack
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Monkey 'o Doom Commander Joined: 24 September 2005 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2994	Posted: 25 June 2007 at 1:56pm
	One thing that would help the hands is to eliminate the outlines by replacing them with the skin color (or a color close to it) in most places. Currently the fingers look like pencil-thin sticks, so if they were wider they'd be more believable.
	RPG is numberwang.
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WIP (Work In Progress)
Pixel Joint Forum : Pixel Art : WIP (Work In Progress)